MLS
Inter Miami call up youth teamers for MLS clash in absence of Messi and key players
Tata Martino spoke to the media ahead of the club’s trip to New York City to face the Red Bulls in matchday five of the 2024 MLS season.
MLS is one of the high profile global leagues that doesn’t break for the international window and this weekend will see 13 matchday five games taking place on Saturday (23 March) and Sunday (24 March).
Inter Miami (incidentally plating their sixth game of the season) travel to the Big Apple to face the NY Red Bulls in a game with notable absences for both teams due to FIFA window which impacts both squads with players on international duty.
Ahead of the trip to New York, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino spoke to the media present at the Fort Lauderdale team’s training base and offered an update on the evolution of Leo Messi, who despite having returned to training, is still not yet ready to play.
“He is recovering. He has been out on the field for a few days now and is improving day by day so we are paying attention to his progress but he is not ready to play yet. Today is the fourth day that he has been back on the pitch,” Martino explained to the media present.
Martino highlighted Messi’s absence along with other injured members of the squad and absences due to call-ups as he endeavours to forge together a competitive squad to face Red Bulls.
Inter Miami and NY Red Bulls looked for postponement
Martino also revealed that both clubs looked to reschedule this weekend’s game but the appeal was declined by US Soccer.
Martino added that a number of youth players from the Inter Miami academy will travel with the first team in order to complement the squad list.
“Tyler Hall, Casas, Montenegro, Alfonso are going to travel and we are waiting for one more authorization,” Martino pointed out this Friday before concluding his session with the media.